Effect
Smoking a cigarette releases an average of 30 percent of the nicotine contained in the cigarette. About 90 percent of this nicotine is absorbed into the organism through the lungs after inhalation. However, nicotine can also be absorbed through the mucous membranes and thus reach the bloodstream and the brain.
In general, it can be assumed that about 25 percent of the nicotine inhaled reaches the brain within seven to eight seconds after absorption. In the area of the brain, nicotine accumulates at so-called nicotinergic receptors. In this way, the drug can stimulate a number of physiological reactions.
The nicotine takes effect very quickly. Many people react with nausea and pronounced dizziness when they first use the drug. But after a short time the body begins to get used to the effects of nicotine.
Smokers then consistently describe pleasant effects of the narcotic. Nicotine is said to have a calming and relaxing effect on nervousness. In addition, most smokers state that the feeling of hunger is reduced by regular nicotine consumption.
In addition, nicotine is said to give the smoker a feeling of security, sovereignty and self-confidence. Especially the calming effect of nicotine is difficult to explain so far. The reason for this is the fact that nicotine tends to lead to stress reactions on a physiological level.
Shortly after inhaling the addictive substance, the heart rate and blood pressure begin to rise. In the area of the skin surface a reduction of the resistance is initiated. As a result, the skin temperature can drop significantly.
It can therefore be assumed that smokers freeze much faster than non-smokers. On the psychological level, the stimulating effects of nicotine are noticeable through an increase in performance and an improvement in attention and memory. Furthermore, nicotine ensures that impulses such as appetite, stress, fear, insecurity, nervousness and tiredness are suppressed.
High nicotine consumption can also block important physiological processes. Although smokers initially perceive this as a calming effect, it can have serious consequences. From a daily amount of approximately one milligram of nicotine per kilogram of body weight, there is a danger to life. This so-called “lethal amount” of nicotine inhaled is, however, almost impossible to absorb.
